LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska’s corrections director says his department is still struggling to hire and retain prison employees but contends the situation has improved.

Director Scott Frakes made his comments during a budget hearing with lawmakers on Monday. His testimony followed a prisoner uprising Thursday that left two inmates dead at the Tecumseh State Correctional Institution, which has more than 50 job vacancies.

Corrections officials have said the prison was adequately staffed at the time. But union officials say prison workers are frequently asked to work overtime because of employee turnover and unfilled jobs, which drains their morale.

Frakes says annual turnover rates for the entire corrections system has fallen from 32 percent to 26 percent over the last four months, but he wants to see an even lower rate.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Medical marijuana advocates are urging Nebraska state senators not to confirm a chief medical officer who opposes the use of marijuana or any of its byproducts.

Dr. Thomas Williams could be confirmed as the state’s chief medical officer following a committee recommendation last week. Advocates who want to see Nebraska legalize medical marijuana say he is unwilling to consider treatments that could help people who suffer from cancer or seizures.

Williams in a letter urged a legislative committee not to advance a bill that would allow children with seizures to use a drug containing a non-psychoactive compound found in marijuana, provided the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approves that drug this summer. He wrote marijuana has no medical use and has a “high potential for abuse.”

Lana Albrecht-Watson has been named as an Excellence in Teaching recipient by the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD).

The Tryon woman is a nurse educator and the nursing clinical coordinator for both the registered nurse and licensed practical nursing programs at Mid-Plains Community College. She was nominated for the award by her peers.

“Lana’s reputation and experience in the classroom made our selection very easy,” said Dr. Jody Tomanek, MPCC area vice president of academic affairs. “Lana is not only outstanding when it comes to teaching, but her work with the nursing student organization and the number of community activities they do is commendable as well. The college is extremely proud to have Lana recognized for her efforts.”

The Excellence Award honors teachers who have demonstrated an outstanding commitment and contribution to their students and colleagues.

“I’m very proud to receive the award,” said Albrecht-Watson. “I really do have a passion for teaching. It’s exciting for me to watch students learning, having fun and reaching goals they wanted to reach.”

Albrecht-Watson has been a full-time instructor at the college for six years. She is an alum of MPCC’s nursing program – having entered it in 1995, right out of high school.

“It was an honor to be asked to come back and teach at the place where I got my start,” said Albrecht-Watson. “The whole reason I teach is because I want to have good nurses when I need them, or when my family or friends need them. At MPCC, I get the satisfaction of knowing we are sending an excellent, well-prepared group of nurses into the workforce.”

That’s part of why pinning day is the most exciting for her. It’s also the most difficult.

“The nursing students become like family,” said Albrecht-Watson. “I get to be kind of like their mother. It’s fun to build that rapport with them and watch them grow, but it’s always hard to say good-bye.”

Her efforts will be recognized during NISOD’s International Conference on Teaching and Leadership Excellence on May 28, in Austin, Texas. There, she will be treated to a red carpet experience and presented with a specially cast, pewter medallion.

The North Platte Public Schools Foundation in conjunction with North Platte Public schools is excited to announce that Brandy Buscher and Brandon Petersen have been recognized as the BIG “Bulldog” staff members of the month.  Both award winners are employed at NPHS where Brandy is the student services coordinator and Brandon is a Business Teacher.

Brandy was nominated by Associate Superintendent Tami Eshleman.  Her nomination read. She collaborates with our building principals, counselors and teachers to provides resources to our students. Brandy represents NPPSD at court hearings and on community boards. Brandy works directly with the Backpack Program and recently, developed our high school pantry of food and necessities.  Mrs. Buscher is responsible for implementing the Dare to Go Five Below program focusing on reducing absenteeism with our students. Brandy is our district Homeless Liaison and advocates for students at the state and local level.  Brandy Buscher advocates for students and families of North Platte Public Schools. She is worthy of our BIG award by helping to eliminate barriers to learning.

Brandon Petersen was nominated by NPHS administration.  They told the foundation that besides being a great teacher in the classroom, Brandon goes above and beyond in performing duties that help to improve both our high school and the district. Brandon has created numerous multimedia materials used to celebrate student, staff and our school. Brandon has been teaching for North Platte Public Schools since 2004.  He teaches computer science and technology classes in the Business Department at North Platte High School.  These classes include Information Technology, Information Technology 2, Digital Media, Advanced Digital Media, Graphic Design, Advanced Graphic Design, and Programming.  Our mission in our department is to help students become problem-solving, career-ready individuals who can make positive contributions to society.  In addition to teaching, Brandon does the school’s newsletter and creative content for the “Bulldog Vision” video board in the gym.

The North Platte Public Schools and North Platte Public Schools foundation developed the BIG Staff recognition promotion to provide incentives for deserving teachers and support staff. The program is designed to recognize outstanding teachers and support staff for their contributions to NPPS. The nomination symbolizes the esteem and appreciation that everyone has for our school district employees.

Teachers are rewarded with a gift basket, balloons and a gift card to the Bulldog store at NPHS.  The North Platte Public Schools Foundation is facilitating the program and takes nominations from principals and administration.  Staff members will be awarded monthly throughout the school year and recognized at the end of the year Education After Hours on April 7^th, 2017.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska lawmakers have advanced a bill that would require insurers to treat telehealth services the same as in-person services for coverage purposes.

Senators gave the measure first-round approval on Monday with a 34-0 vote.

Telehealth services allow doctors and patients to connect remotely through the internet or by phone. Many doctors have already embraced the technology, but some have been reluctant because they don’t know whether insurers will reimburse them.

Supporters say the legislation extends a requirement to private insurers that’s already in place for Medicaid. Advocates for an insurance group say most carriers have been looking to provide the coverage anyway.

Two more votes are required before the legislation goes to Gov. Pete Ricketts.